****WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT**** Authorities in Victoria have launched a sweeping public health and regulatory response after a childcare worker was charged with more than 70 offenses involving alleged child sexual abuse across multiple centres in Melbourne's south-west.
Allegations Span 20 Childcare Centres
Joshua Dale Brown, 26, was employed across 20 childcare facilities from 2017 to May 2025. Between April 2022 and January 2023, he allegedly committed offences against eight children aged five months to two years. The charges include sexual penetration of a child, production of child abuse material, and recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm.
Police confirmed Brown had a valid Working with Children Check and was previously unknown to authorities. The investigation began in May after child abuse material was allegedly discovered at his home in Point Cook.
Health Screening for Thousands of Families
In response, the Victorian Department of Health has recommended infectious disease testing for approximately 1,200 children potentially affected. While the risk is deemed low, Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath emphasized the precautionary nature of the screening, noting that any infections could be treated with antibiotics. Over 2,600 families have been contacted.
Premier's Call for Systemic Review
Premier Jacinta Allan described the allegations as “shocking and distressing” and announced a comprehensive review of the Working with Children Check system and an investigation into early childhood providers associated with Brown. Mental health support is being offered to impacted families.
Political leaders across the spectrum have called for sweeping reforms to childcare safety frameworks. The Minister for Children also noted that changes to the national safety standards in education settings are being discussed at the intergovernmental level.
Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in September. The investigation continues.
How Can Working With Children's Check Be Improved?
Improving the Working with Children Check (WWCC) system is a critical step toward strengthening child safety across Australia. Based on recent reforms and expert recommendations, here are several ways the system could be enhanced:
National Consistency
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Harmonise WWCC schemes across all states and territories to reduce loopholes and ensure uniform standards.
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Implement National Standards for WWCCs, as endorsed by ministers in 2019, to guide consistent screening and risk assessment.
2. Real-Time Monitoring and Updates
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Introduce continuous monitoring of WWCC holders, not just periodic checks.
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Ensure automatic alerts for any new criminal charges or concerning conduct.
3. Improved Information Sharing
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Establish a national information-sharing framework between jurisdictions, police, and child protection agencies.
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Enable cross-sector access to relevant safety data while maintaining privacy safeguards.
4. Enhanced Risk Assessment
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Move beyond criminal history to include behavioral red flags, workplace complaints, and reportable conduct.
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Use multi-source data to assess suitability, especially for high-risk roles.
5. Education and Accountability
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Provide mandatory child safety training for all WWCC applicants.
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Require ongoing professional development to reinforce safe practices and ethical standards.
6. Stronger Oversight of Employers
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Mandate that childcare providers verify WWCC status regularly and report any concerns.
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Introduce audits and penalties for non-compliance with WWCC verification protocols.
References:
Testing Urged For 1,200 After South-West Melbourne Childcare Worker Charged With Sexual Assaults
Working with Children Check Reform